RCGP response to Lib Dem proposal on GP provision in new housing developments

Responding to the Liberal Democrats’ proposal on GP provision in new housing developments, Dr Munro Stewart, Vice Chair (Policy) of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said:

“The College has long been clear that housing developments must incorporate sufficient investment in local GP services, so that patients can access our care when and where they need it.

“Too often, new homes are built without ensuring residents are able to access a local GP. This places additional strain on already overstretched GPs in the surrounding area and makes it harder for patients to get appointments.

“Patients should be able to access general practice care and services in a timely way, but this depends on having the workforce and infrastructure in place to meet demand - and GPs are already beyond capacity, and too often working in crumbling buildings which are too small.

"Getting developers to guarantee funding to set up a new practice could help make sure practices are able to serve the needs of growing communities.

“General practice is the front door of the NHS, and without proper planning and investment, it will be harder for people to see their GP.

“As need for our services continues to grow, it is vital that NHS leaders at both a local and national level, local authorities and developers work together to ensure that adequate primary care services are in place from the outset, with the funding and workforce required to deliver safe care.”

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659

press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.